2018 marks 25 years since the creation of a BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) nest box scheme in Dartington Hills.

The scheme – part of a nationwide conservation programme – was set up in 1993 by a local resident called Peter Morris, who sadly passed away a year afterwards. In memory of Peter, whom I never had the chance to meet, I wanted to pay tribute to him and the legacy he left behind: the project lives on to this day.

After Peter died, Nicky Cozens took over the bird survey, as she had helped Peter from the start. Nicky did this every year without fail until 2011. She then showed myself and the other conservation volunteers the ropes to allow us to undertake the survey. Every year, this survey provides us with information about one of the largest blue tit nest box schemes in the country – comprising of 40 bird boxes in Dartington Hills, and five boxes in Berrymans Marsh.

Gallery: Bird nesting at Dartington

Blind and downy nuthatch chicks

Gallery: Bird nesting at Dartington

Great tit sitting on her nest with chicks

Gallery: Bird nesting at Dartington

Nuthatch in Dartington Hills nesting box

Gallery: Bird nesting at Dartington

Vicky and Andrew on bird survey

Gallery: Bird nesting at Dartington

Great tit chicks

The survey starts in April and usually finishes towards the end of June, but on occasion the last birds to leave the nest can sometimes fledge as late as the first week in July. This depends on factors such as the weather at the start of spring, if they have a second brood, or if there is an abundance of food.

The current nest box monitor is Vicky Churchill, assisted by the Dartington conservation volunteers Hamish Johnson and Andy Davies. This year they discovered in one of the bird boxes a nest with two different eggs species within it. It became apparent later on in the survey that it was a blue tit nest and the female adult bird was brooding both varieties of eggs. Several weeks later when the eggs hatched, we noticed there was a mixed nest of blue tits and one great tit which was raised by the adult blue tit.

On the whole, we usually get blue and great tit nesting in the boxes but last year, we had a coal tit nest. She had a clutch of nine chicks and all of them fledged from the nest. Since 2014 we had a nuthatch nest three years on the trot in the woodland but sadly she was not in the usual box this year.

This spring we unfortunately suffered a spate of vandalism to some of the boxes – due to someone trying to steal several of the custom built boxes out of natural ash wood. A few were completely destroyed and others were partly damaged. Luckily there were no chicks in the vandalised boxes, so thankfully no birds were harmed. On a more positive note, so far we have had 144 fledged birds and another 36 ready to fledge.

We hope that we don’t see further vandalism, as the nest box scheme means we’re part of a UK-wide effort to collect important information on the breeding successes of Britain’s birds – discovering and following the progress of the individual bird nests. Once the BTO has gathered all the data from across the country for that year, it is then used to produce trends in breeding performance. This helps to identify species that may be declining because of problems at the nesting stage.

This year’s nest box survey is coming to an end and seems to have been a good year for great and blue tits. Out of 45 bird boxes we have erected in the woods we have had 30 boxes occupied. It has to be one of the best years I have seen in a long time.

I personally think that webcams are not a good idea. In due course there will be much more public awareness than is currently available in conventional media about the impact of these. I believe that to allow the birds to develop in privacy with the occasional visits by conservationists who understand about the needs and habits, is a more sensitive approach to enable wild creatures to maintain there fragile and vital role in the whole ecology of Gaia.

Of course we all have a tendency to want to sit at our computers and watch the beauties of our world, but I am finding the true benefits of engaging directly with my patch of garden or the surrounding neighbourhood and the range of creatures and flora in it.

That’s fab about the birds in dartington. Would be fab to have a webcam on them for all to see, the children and adults would love to see this. I am saddened about the vandalism though. Maybe a bird watching day for all to enjoy would be a good idea? I for one would attend.

Hi Lily, thanks for taking the time to read the blog. Webcams can be great in the right circumstances but we are unlikely to do this in this case as the site is nowhere near a power source, and the cameras are prone to vandalism. I know it’s sad imagine people doing that but as I mentioned in the blog, our bird boxes do get vandalised at present. Your bird watching day idea sounds great! We’ll be sure to give it some thought.

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This Website is an advertisement for the purposes of Prospectus Rule 3.3 and Article 34 of Commission regulation (EC) No 809/2004 (as amended) and is not a prospectus for the purposes of EU Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended) (the “Directive”) and/or Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”).

This Website is a financial promotion made by the Dartington Hall Estate Bond PLC (the “Issuer”) and approved by Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP (“BWB”) solely for the purposes of section 21(2)(b) of the FSMA. BWB (incorporated in England No. OC 325522) whose registered office is 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This Website relates to the Dartington 4.3% fixed rate secured Bonds due 2028 (referred to in this Website as the “Bonds”). A prospectus dated 25 October 2018 (the “Prospectus”) has been prepared and made available to the public in accordance with the Directive.

The proceeds of the Bonds are intended to be loaned to The Dartington Hall Trust (“Dartington”). References to “Dartington” in this document are references to The Dartington Hall Trust.

This Website is not an offer for the subscription or sale of the Bonds and should not be relied on for making any investment decision in relation to the purchase of the Bonds. Any investment decision should be made solely on the basis of a careful review of the Prospectus. Please therefore read the Prospectus carefully before you invest. You should ensure that you understand and accept the risks relating to an investment in the Bonds before making such an investment. Loss of capital is a potential risk when investing, it is important to take this into account when deciding on how much to invest. It is important to note that you may not get back the full amount invested. You should seek your own professional investment, legal and tax advice as to whether an investment in the Bonds is suitable for you.

THE MATERIALS CONTAINED ON THE WEBSITE IS ONLY DIRECTED AT PERSONS WHO ARE LOCATED AND RESIDENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. SUCH MATERIALS ARE NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, INTO OR WITHIN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA, THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISTRIBUTE SUCH MATERIALS.

This Website is not for access in the United States of America or by U.S. persons. The Bonds have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Bonds may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States of America or to U.S. persons.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ACCESS TO THIS WEBSITE

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This Website is an advertisement for the purposes of Prospectus Rule 3.3 and Article 34 of Commission regulation (EC) No 809/2004 (as amended) and is not a prospectus for the purposes of EU Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended) (the “Directive”) and/or Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”).

This Website is a financial promotion made by the Dartington Hall Estate Bond PLC (the “Issuer”) and approved by Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP (“BWB”) solely for the purposes of section 21(2)(b) of the FSMA. BWB (incorporated in England No. OC 325522) whose registered office is 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This Website relates to the Dartington 4.3% fixed rate secured Bonds due 2028 (referred to in this Website as the “Bonds”). A prospectus dated 25 October 2018 (the “Prospectus”) has been prepared and made available to the public in accordance with the Directive.

The proceeds of the Bonds are intended to be loaned to The Dartington Hall Trust (“Dartington”). References to “Dartington” in this document are references to The Dartington Hall Trust.

This Website is not an offer for the subscription or sale of the Bonds and should not be relied on for making any investment decision in relation to the purchase of the Bonds. Any investment decision should be made solely on the basis of a careful review of the Prospectus. Please therefore read the Prospectus carefully before you invest. You should ensure that you understand and accept the risks relating to an investment in the Bonds before making such an investment. Loss of capital is a potential risk when investing, it is important to take this into account when deciding on how much to invest. It is important to note that you may not get back the full amount invested. You should seek your own professional investment, legal and tax advice as to whether an investment in the Bonds is suitable for you.

THE MATERIALS CONTAINED ON THE WEBSITE IS ONLY DIRECTED AT PERSONS WHO ARE LOCATED AND RESIDENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. SUCH MATERIALS ARE NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, INTO OR WITHIN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA, THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISTRIBUTE SUCH MATERIALS.

This Website is not for access in the United States of America or by U.S. persons. The Bonds have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Bonds may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States of America or to U.S. persons.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ACCESS TO THIS WEBSITE

ADVERTISEMENT

This Website is an advertisement for the purposes of Prospectus Rule 3.3 and Article 34 of Commission regulation (EC) No 809/2004 (as amended) and is not a prospectus for the purposes of EU Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended) (the “Directive”) and/or Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”).

This Website is a financial promotion made by the Dartington Hall Estate Bond PLC (the “Issuer”) and approved by Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP (“BWB”) solely for the purposes of section 21(2)(b) of the FSMA. BWB (incorporated in England No. OC 325522) whose registered office is 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This Website relates to the Dartington 4.3% fixed rate secured Bonds due 2028 (referred to in this Website as the “Bonds”). A prospectus dated 25 October 2018 (the “Prospectus”) has been prepared and made available to the public in accordance with the Directive.

The proceeds of the Bonds are intended to be loaned to The Dartington Hall Trust (“Dartington”). References to “Dartington” in this document are references to The Dartington Hall Trust.

This Website is not an offer for the subscription or sale of the Bonds and should not be relied on for making any investment decision in relation to the purchase of the Bonds. Any investment decision should be made solely on the basis of a careful review of the Prospectus. Please therefore read the Prospectus carefully before you invest. You should ensure that you understand and accept the risks relating to an investment in the Bonds before making such an investment. Loss of capital is a potential risk when investing, it is important to take this into account when deciding on how much to invest. It is important to note that you may not get back the full amount invested. You should seek your own professional investment, legal and tax advice as to whether an investment in the Bonds is suitable for you.

THE MATERIALS CONTAINED ON THE WEBSITE IS ONLY DIRECTED AT PERSONS WHO ARE LOCATED AND RESIDENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. SUCH MATERIALS ARE NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, INTO OR WITHIN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA, THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISTRIBUTE SUCH MATERIALS.

This Website is not for access in the United States of America or by U.S. persons. The Bonds have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Bonds may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States of America or to U.S. persons.

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ACCESS TO THIS WEBSITE

ADVERTISEMENT

This Website is an advertisement for the purposes of Prospectus Rule 3.3 and Article 34 of Commission regulation (EC) No 809/2004 (as amended) and is not a prospectus for the purposes of EU Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended) (the “Directive”) and/or Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”).

This Website is a financial promotion made by the Dartington Hall Estate Bond PLC (the “Issuer”) and approved by Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP (“BWB”) solely for the purposes of section 21(2)(b) of the FSMA. BWB (incorporated in England No. OC 325522) whose registered office is 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This Website relates to the Dartington 4.3% fixed rate secured Bonds due 2028 (referred to in this Website as the “Bonds”). A prospectus dated 25 October 2018 (the “Prospectus”) has been prepared and made available to the public in accordance with the Directive.

The proceeds of the Bonds are intended to be loaned to The Dartington Hall Trust (“Dartington”). References to “Dartington” in this document are references to The Dartington Hall Trust.

This Website is not an offer for the subscription or sale of the Bonds and should not be relied on for making any investment decision in relation to the purchase of the Bonds. Any investment decision should be made solely on the basis of a careful review of the Prospectus. Please therefore read the Prospectus carefully before you invest. You should ensure that you understand and accept the risks relating to an investment in the Bonds before making such an investment. Loss of capital is a potential risk when investing, it is important to take this into account when deciding on how much to invest. It is important to note that you may not get back the full amount invested. You should seek your own professional investment, legal and tax advice as to whether an investment in the Bonds is suitable for you.

THE MATERIALS CONTAINED ON THE WEBSITE IS ONLY DIRECTED AT PERSONS WHO ARE LOCATED AND RESIDENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. SUCH MATERIALS ARE NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, INTO OR WITHIN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA, THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO DISTRIBUTE SUCH MATERIALS.

This Website is not for access in the United States of America or by U.S. persons. The Bonds have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Bonds may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States of America or to U.S. persons.